Head of Stage

Provide an efficient and welcoming service to the artists, producers and managements visiting and working with the Theatre.

Liaise with incoming design, production, technical staff, event staff and suppliers as appropriate to ensure all mechanical and staging requirements are met for all productions and individual events.

Liaise with management and other technical departments to ensure smooth running of get-ins and get-outs including approval of staff scheduling and budgetary controls.

Liaise with staff and visiting companies to ensure the smooth running of performances.

Arrange for, and liaise with, additional stage support staff where necessary.

Supervision of fit-ups

Supervision of the rigging, construction and flying of scenic elements and of equipment

Work shows as a flyman/ crew member

Attend as duty stage cover during the day and performance hours.

Work with the Operations Director on the planning and delivery of events and hires,

To devise, review and operate the Stage department’s operational procedures to ensure that they are efficient and effective at all times.

Ensure that the requirements of health and safety legislation and company policy, fire risk assessments and licensing regulations are adhered to at all times.

Maintain appropriate documentation, risk assessments and records of maintenance.

Manage and maintain all stage mechanical equipment within the building to ensure the efficient and safe operation. Ensure adherence to operational procedures, effective routine maintenance, cleaning and implementation of any agreed programme of replacement, including the arrangement of independent inspection and certification.

Maintain adequate stocks of all stage hardware and supplies for the building.

Ensure regular inspections of the building are carried out, liaising with relevant departments and management, action maintenance works as necessary.

Working closely with the Operations Director, implement restoration and major maintenance projects relevant to the department and assist in those led by other department heads.

Liaise with external contractors, supervising when required, and ensure safe working practices are adhered to at all times.

Promote a positive approach to Health & Safety and safe working practices at all times, practice the highest level of health and safety management, and ensuring the whole team are working to those standards

Manage and support the Stage team, delegating as appropriate with the approval of the Company’s senior management team, and ensuring that all team members are working within the operational process, procedures and policies of the theatre.

Act as the line manager for all Stage staff ensuring that they are able and competent and that staff levels are within agreed budgets, in accordance with the needs of the Theatre and that all employment legislation, Shaftesbury policies and procedures, union agreements and SOLT policies are properly understood and implemented.

Recruit, appoint, appraise and train the Stage staff, in consultation with the Operations Director, with the aim of enabling the staff to be of the highest quality through the development of their skills.

Ensure that the HR system is used by the department and kept up to date

Work with the Head of Electrics to manage and develop technical apprenticeships at the Theatre

Actively foster an inclusive, collaborative working culture within the Stage department, promoting equity

Work collaboratively with the other Heads of Departments, working together to ensure the smooth and cohesive running of the Shaftesbury Theatre

Ensure that the department and the theatre management are aware of technical developments and their suitability to the Theatre through product information, attending trade shows etc.

Responsible for determining the staffing rota for the department, considering budget, and signing off weekly timesheets

To manage budgets within approved levels.

To maintain accurate financial records and controls to the satisfaction of the Finance Director.  This shall include, but not be limited to, purchase order systems and timesheets.

To schedule staff efficiently maximising use of core hours and reducing overtime where possible

To be a keyholder and, as appropriate, to be on call on the Emergency Contacts List.

Advocate for the Shaftesbury Theatre, its aims and activities

Be familiar with and abide by all Shaftesbury Theatre Policies including, but not limited to, our Equal Opportunities Policy, Sexual Harassment and Health and Safety Policy

Undertake any other duties as appropriate to the post, as requested by the Senior Management team 

Substantial professional theatre experience of operating stage machinery, rigging and flying

Knowledge of health and safety procedures and experience in carrying out method statements and risk assessments

Experience of managing loading in/out and fitting up scenic elements

Demonstrable carpentry and scenic construction skills

Experience of working at height and access equipment training

Line Manager Experience

Computer literate, including Microsoft Office applications

Ability to read ground plans and make construction drawings

Excellent problem-solving skills

Strong time management skills and ability to work to tight deadlines

Strong communication skills, with an ability to communicate at all levels

Strong attention to detail

Demonstrable ability to work as part of a team and under own initiative

Proactive and flexible, with a hands-on approach, and a flexible attitude to working patterns

An interest in developing casuals and apprentices and supporting the development of more junior staff

Passion & enthusiasm for theatre

Experience with design software (CAD, Vectorworks)

Qualifications in rigging and/or manual handling

Health and Safety Qualification

First Aid Qualification

An interest in new technologies and developing practices in theatre

An interest in sustainability, particularly in a theatre context